Diogo Dalot admitted he had “mixed feelings” when lining up against Manchester United, but put those to one side with a performance that led Paul Scholes to believe he still has a future at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old was part of the AC Milan side that impressed in the 1-1 draw with United at Old Trafford.
Dalot joined Milan on a season-long loan in the summer, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka well above him in the pecking order.
But he’s impressed for the Rossoneri, playing in the unfamiliar position of left-back during the Europa League clash.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted he was excited to ‘have a look’ at Dalot, who has made 22 appearances in all competitions.
And he will have been impressed and encouraged with what he saw.
Speaking after the game, Red Devils legend Scholes predicted a big pre-season for Dalot, claiming his better attacking play could even put pressure on Wan-Bissaka’s starting berth.
“He's done the right thing to get games at a big club. That will do him the world of good,” Scholes told BT Sport.
"He played in an unfamiliar position tonight, on that left side, but even his crossing with his left foot was brilliant. I thought defensively he did everything he had to do.
"Where does he stand now? I think he'll come back at the end of the season. Pre-season will be big for him. It's time for him to really perform in those pre-season games. Put a bit of pressure on Wan-Bissaka.
"He's different to Wan-Bissaka. We know what a great defender Wan-Bissaka is. I think he's got more quality going forward. It's just a decision for the manager and what he wants."
On his return to Manchester, Dalot said: "It was a mixed feeling to be honest with you. When I first walked the pitch before the game I'm used to being this side. It's a mixed feeling.
"I miss this place as well. I have great memories here with this club but today I was fighting on the other side for this badge."
He will now have another chance to impress, when the two meet again next week, with the tie firmly in the balance.
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